Under Loch and Key

by Lana Ferguson

“I wish you had told me more,” I tell my dad. “I wish I had asked more questions.” I tilt my head back to the sky, blinking rapidly. “I wish you hadn’t left me alone.”

Are you fucking kidding me?” She throws up her hands just to let them plop to her sides, still gaping at me with wide eyes and an open mouth. “You’re the Loch Ness Monster?” I could have just let her be eaten, I think distantly. But no.

The slight pinkening of her cheeks is admittedly lovely, and I wonder if it’s possible that I actually enjoy making her so irritated. Almost like this odd back-and-forth between us is…fun. Her eyes glitter with amusement. “In your dreams, Nessie.” On second thought…

“Now come on, Nessie. We have to get you back to the loch before you go full dinosaur right here in this castle.” He snorts under his breath even as he turns to follow me when I move for the door. “Anything you say, princess.” I grin. Okay, maybe it’s not as annoying as I thought.

You are not who you are because of where you come from; you are who you are because of where you choose to go.